Myanmar Junta Conducts Election End Amid International Rejection

The military-backed election organised by Myanmar’s ruling junta has concluded, drawing criticism from the international community and rejection from several countries.

Myanmar’s armed forces, which seized power in a 2021 coup, oversaw the vote in a process widely viewed as designed to entrench military rule. Reports indicate that senior military officials worked closely with Chinese authorities to secure victory for the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).

According to The Washington Post, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar’s armed forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing who led the coup and is widely expected to assume the presidency—reached an understanding with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the polls, with voting expected to reflect that arrangement.

The election was conducted in phases, with voting held on December 28, January 11 and a final round on Sunday. However, participation was limited, with the BBC reporting that only about one-fifth of Myanmar’s townships took part in the final vote.

Several countries have dismissed the outcome. Malaysia and the Philippines said they would not recognise the election results, while Britain and the European Union described the process as neither free nor fair.

Some residents said participation was effectively compulsory. A Yangon resident told The Washington Post that he was forced to vote in order to renew his passport.

“I had to come,” he said.

The election comes amid ongoing political instability and conflict in Myanmar, as the military continues to face resistance following its takeover of power.